Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Cards of Christmas' Past: 2007, 2008, 2009

We've been busy making lists and checking them twice. Perhaps next year I'll catch my bloggy readers up on the Wilson happenings... Perhaps not.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

I Hope You Like Jammin' Too

What I've been up to this month... Jammin'. Our trip to Hood River yielded 24-pints of applesauce! Plus the five gallon-sized freezer bags of blackberries that I picked this summer turned into EIGHT quarts of blackberry pie filling and TEN half-pints of blackberry jam. I'm so happy!

What I've been doing since I finished all my fruit canning... eating peanut butter and blackberry toast every morning for breakfast. Could life get any better? I don't think so.

Thanks to Phoebe for surrendering her home to my canning projects. (And to her husband for picking-up the slack and finishing our applesauce adventure without us.) And to all my other friends with their words of advice. Maybe next year I'll take the training wheels off?

the (literal) fruits of my labor. yum.

If the shoe fits...

Here I am at another boring receptionist job. This time, I'm at Keen. I can't really complain though since they GAVE me a brand new pair of shoes! A retail value of $90! One might suspect that perhaps I hinted at wanting to be the proud owner of a new pair of Keens but you're wrong. There was no such fishing. The lady that I'm covering for simply asked me what size shoe I wear and then excitedly announced that my size sevens are their sample size! She then escorted me over to the product department and they fitted my feet with a new pair of Chester Clogs.

Here's the catch - I don't like my new pair of shoes. I know, boo! Hiss! How can I be so ungrateful?! I'm not. I'm very grateful. I'm just anti-clog grateful . I think clogs make feet look fat. Since I couldn't very well say, "thanks for your generosity but do you have a pair that I like?" I've decided to sell them instead. (After my investigative work revealed that REI doesn't carry the Chester Clog model and I ruled out the option of taking advantage of Nordstom's world-renown customer service.) I'm looking forward to having the unexpected extra money in my pocket!

In other shoe news, my feet have been feeling very happy lately. I had an epiphany a few weeks ago that perhaps fuzzy slippers would make exceptional winter shoes. Target had some loafer slippers on sale for $15 a couple weeks ago so I decided to act on my novel idea. I was right! Fuzzy slippers really do make the BEST winter shoes! I bragged to Wyatt how my toes will never get cold again. His response, "It's called socks." I disagree! Foux fur is 100-times warmer, cozier and easier than socks! My only regret, why didn't I buy two pairs?!

...and I'm a Mormon.

I don't want to let too much time pass away before I add an addendum to this post. It may sound like lip-service to some of you but I genuinely appreciate all the comments I received in regards to my feelings about my current employment situation and motherhood. I appreciate the different perspective brought from each comment and the simple words of advice or encouragement. Thank you.

Later the evening that I posted my feelings on the subject, some friends of ours encouraged us to check-out the new Mormon.org. Seeing that I had all the time in the world to surf the world-wide-web, I took-up their recommendation the very next day while I was at work.

I was blown away. Tears filled my eyes (remember I was watching these at work!) as I watched each profile, highlighting the unique life experiences each individual experiences each day. It is amazing how easily the Spirit can touch our lives through each other (even with people we've never met). It amazed me even more how each person spotlighted never said the words, "I bear my testimony" but simply through the act of living and recognizing God's hand in their lives they were able to testify of Him.

There were two profiles in particular that struck a chord with me (Rochelle and Robert). With all my uncertainty of what to do with my life, they helped put things back into perspective. They reminded me that God has a plan for me and that I need to continue to put my trust in Him, that he will guide my life so that I receive the greatest fulfillment. That it's not ultimately about me but rather about those I serve and the sacrifices I make. I'm certain that there really is no greater calling than parenthood - the role that requires continuous sacrifice and continuous acts of selflessness. It's funny how easily our thoughts can get off track and then we need to be reminded of the things we already know...

I find myself constantly singing to myself the words of the hymn "How Gentle God's Commands". It's been a nice reminder that both Heavenly Father and Jesus have my best interest in mind and I just need to "cast my burdens" and "trust in their constant care". Something that is very difficult for me to do when I think that I know what is best for me. Though, I am amazed each time as I look back and see that Heavenly Father's plan was much better than my own.

I often wonder if I am acting as a true disciple of Christ. Do I love and serve my fellow men? Do I carry the Spirit of Christ with me so that there is no question in one's mind Whom I ultimately love and serve? I'm afraid that sometimes I'm not on my best behavior and perhaps others can't even decipher that I am Christian, let alone a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I always chalk my missionary work up to living by example... but am I? Perhaps I should be a little more proactive in testifying my beliefs...

So let me start here...

My name is Brittany Wilson. I am a runner, I am a pseudo-bakestress, a travel enthusiast, a happy wife, a world-class eater, a lucky daughter and sister, a child of God... and a Mormon!

Halloween 2010

We were supposed to make our annual trip to Hood River last weekend for the Edelweiss Festival. However, Wyatt was overwhelmed with the thought of two exams the following week, that we decided it'd be better for everyone if we postponed the trip a week. The good news is, we missed the terrible weather from our originally planned weekend. The bad news, we had the same terrible weather on our trip. I guess it was only a matter of time before our good fortune (three years of perfectly blue skies) ran dry.

Here we are overlooking Mt. Saint Helen's at our favorite cookie stop - Packers. They seriously have the BEST coconut macaroons I've ever had. Wyatt is in love with their black and white cookies. They usually have a 20-cookie spread with plenty of bite-sized samples to enjoy seconds. However, this time around they FORGOT to keep the samples supplied and we were greeted with crumbs! Can you believe it?! I know! So after Wyatt and I paid for our 10-dollars worth of cookies the lady slowly started to break the cookies one-by-one. So we decided to slowly follow her one-by-one and partake of the delish cookie samples. I'm sure we appeared to be a couple of free-loaders. But need I remind her that we already spent !0-dollars on her cookies? I didn't think so.




Since the clouds were too low to enjoy the vibrant colors of the beautiful fall scenery, we focused all our efforts on buying apples. We ended up buying five boxes (roughly 40-pounds each)! Don't you worry, we were on an errand and three of those boxes were for other people. They had 25-cent/pound apples that we loaded-up on for making applesauce. Now I'm not an applesauce connoisseur but if the apples are good enough to make fresh apple juice, surely they're good enough for some homemade applesauce. Really, how could they not be? How could you go wrong with mashed-up, cooked apples? Ask me if I still feel the same after I finish canning...



Did I mention that on top of the rain it was FREEZING cold? I had little ice cube fingers by the time we were done picking apples from the barrels. I've reminded my friend that she now owns "blood apples". You know, like blood diamonds?

After our rendezvous to Hood River we prepped our car for our ward's annual Trunk-or-Treat. Let me preface by saying, I think this year's car costume was a total FLOP! I promise, this is not me fishing for compliments. We had such a great idea but FAILED TERRIBLY to execute it! I don't know if we didn't have enough time, or if the weather had an affect, or what - it just simply was no good at all.

We decided to dress Sam (my car) up as a flying saucer. Wyatt had the great idea of using tent poles to create a round frame. Then we decided to use white plastic table clothes (thank you dollar store!) to cover the frame. Glow-in-the-dark bracelets were used to accessorize and a terrible antenna on top (many commented that it reminded them of the flux-capacitor from Back to the Future). Lastly, we positioned two stuffed pandas in the front seats with makeshift space helmets. See, doesn't this all sound like it'd make a great car costume? Yeah, we thought so too. But this is what we ended-up with...



Again, I'm not fishing for compliments, so don't go telling me that it looks good because the pictures make it look even worse than it really was. (If you can believe that...) If you need some more convincing, check out our efforts from years past: 2007 (our favorite), 2008, 2009. See?!

I think the part that was most perplexing is the amount of compliments we received on our own individual costumes. Really, we looked nothing like the "space rangers" we were supposed to be (if we weren't standing next to our flying saucer). Wyatt maybe. But me? No. Not to mention that there really was NO effort put into our individual costumes. And compared to all the exceptional costumes of our fellow ward members, we were really pale in comparison. I was amazed at the kinds of ideas people came up with. Not to mention their ability to execute their ideas with such perfection.

I think we both decided after this years Trunk-or-Treat flop, that'd we'd scrape our car costume and work on our own individual costumes. My vote is for Bert and Ernie. Wyatt thinks he vetoes it... but I won't let him. We shall see what Halloween 2011 brings.

From the Mind of Brittany Wilson

I am sitting at the front desk of the office of my current temporary position. I'm the receptionist for the week. Not a glam job by all means. Actually, it's quite boring. I'd be completely miserable if it weren't for one thing... the company I'm working for has a personal chef that makes me (and the rest of the office) FREE lunch EVERYDAY! How rad is that? I know! It really is the highlight of my day - one that consumes many of my thoughts.

Since I've had a surplus of time to do nothing (no books aloud (and surfing the web can be entertaining only for so long...)) - I've been able to allow my mind to wonder. Here are some of the things that have been occupying my brain space:


Talking About the Weather...
I am amazed at how well this works. I've taken note of the conversations I've had with people for several years now (and especially now as I find myself moving from job to job) and talking about the weather is one sure way to get a conversation moving. It's a common ground everyone can relate to. I guess it seems so odd to me because for the longest time I thought it was simply a saying:

"What'd you talk about?"

"Oh, the weather."

I think many people (including myself) use this tactic to fill the otherwise awkward silence. I think I've had at least ten conversations on the subject this week.


Interesting People
I've been pondering for the past several months about what makes a person interesting. Are they interesting because interesting things happen to them? Or are they interesting because they make interesting things happen to them? Or perhaps it's either one but it's all about the delivery? Maybe I am interesting but I lack the charisma to relay my interesting life? Yeah right. I am not interesting.


Choosing a Career
I am not one of those fortunate people that knew exactly what they wanted to be when they grew up. Instead, I had a million ideas floating through my brain. Then when it came time to commit, I floundered and chose something that (I thought) would open many doors of opportunity. Instead, the dual degree I received in business management and marketing is far too broad. I have some qualifications for many jobs, when in reality what I need is all the qualifications for one job. I am envious of Wyatt who in four years will come out of school without a doubt in his mind about what kind of job he will be looking for. I should've narrowed my discipline and chosen a career that would make looking for a job much easier. (i.e. an engineer, a teacher, a psychiatrist, etc.) Instead I now find myself marching through life aimlessly, with a constant internal battle, wondering what I should make of myself. It is exhausting.


Quality of Life
I can honestly say, despite the fact I am frustrated with myself for not being able to "make something of myself", I have no regrets about quiting my last job. For two-and-a-half years I was miserable. And I can honestly say that even though I am unemployed and am making peanuts as a temporary employee, I am happy. I am really happy. I didn't realize what kind of negative effect my previous job had on me. So maybe it doesn't matter what kind of career one pursues as long as they are happy with the atmosphere of their job? I've always thought company culture to be a major influence in the happiness one experiences at work. Especially now as I've had the opportunity to temp at other companies. (Especially here as I'm fed lunch each day!) So does it matter what you do as long as you like where you work, if you like your coworkers, and feel like your company values the work you do? Perhaps.


The Importance of a Degree
Yeah, all my recent thoughts are job related. Something that has been heavy on my mind is my degree. I've entertained the thought several times to submit my application to wait tables at the little French bakery just down the road. The number one thing that keeps me from doing this is that I'd be turning my back on my degree. What was the point of going to college if I'm just going to bag it anyway? I'll admit, I'm even more concerned with "What will people think?" It seems like as humans we measure each other's value based on income levels and by the title on our business cards. Why? Right now, as I sit as the fill-in receptionist, I feel like people are judging me and are making the assumption that I'm a dim-witted broad. I feel like announcing over the PA that I did go to college, I did graduate, I did hold a semi-impressive position for the past 2.5-years, and that I can do far more than answer phones. Perhaps I'm just reading into things that aren't there? I might be a bit sensitive.


The Nobility of Motherhood
I think this whole job/career thing has taken an extra toll on me lately because of my current situation in life. I'm in between "jobs". I'm wrapping-up my twenties (years associated with education, working and holding a career) and moving into my thirties... those child-bearing years. I've entertained the thought of "biding my time" until I do receive the blessing of becoming a mother. My qualms with this: 1) who knows when that will be and 2) shouldn't I aspire to something more than just looking for something to "pass the time"? And then I let society creep into my mind and wonder if I want motherhood to define my life. A noble role I sincerely believe. I'm just afraid of what I have to say for myself when I look back on life. About what I did with myself when I didn't have children, what I aspired to be, how I utilized my strengths and talents, did I come out stronger?

I just feel like I've been in Wyatt's shadow lately. That he's the one doing all the hard work to provide for our family. That my work in the background (cooking, cleaning, shopping, paying bills, etc.) is insignificant. I'm not jealous, I'm just discouraged. I think in today's society there's very little acknowledgement of the role of a mother (or wife in my case). Society is just concerned with what you do to bring home the bacon. They couldn't care less that you're the one shopping for the bacon.

Then other thoughts cross my mind, what happens if something happened to Wyatt (who we're planning on being the sole provider)? What if I need to go back to work and I don't have a "foundation" to build upon because I chose to "bide my time"? What if (I really hope this isn't the case!) Wyatt and I split up and I need to fend for myself? Perhaps there is a lack of faith on my part but I just can't shake the pressure I feel to become more successful than I am.

Am I alone in my thoughts? Does anyone else feel this way?

Sunny Colorado

Since my momma is a flight attendant for United, it is very rare that I get to see her while I'm visiting in Colorado. She's usually up flying the friendly skies. So when she told me her vacation was set to be the first week in October, I made arrangements to visit her during the duration of her break... It was so many months ago that we had planned my visit that it's hard to believe it has already come and gone. Sad. I had a blast hanging with my mom for ten straight days!

There wasn't one specific moment that stuck out, it was simply fun to spend time with her. Some things we did while I was visiting were: cook and eat some Nichols family favorites, walk around Johnstown Lake every morning, attend the temple, go shopping, go to the movies, sit and chat, stayed up late every night, and worked on a special book project my mom has.

It was a pleasant trip and it seemed like our time together had drawn to an end too quickly. Though I was happy to return home to Oregon to hang with Wyatt, I was terribly sad that I couldn't stay longer with my mom. It's true, home is where mom is.

I love you momma! Thanks for making me feel so special!

Walking around Johnstown lake. (Notice how SUNNY it is?)

Mom modeling the delish pumpkin pie I made

Hanging out with my big sis Burgandy


My "brother-in-law" Jason on his wedding day, with my two nephews

All the Colorado grand people and me (sad the other three weren't able to play with us)

Wyatt had flowers waiting for me when I returned home - what a sweetie!